Our
state legislators continue to create restrictions to
keep us from endangering ours and others' lives when
we imbibe alcohol before piloting a vehicle.
Latest restriction is installation of an ignition
monitor on a convicted DUII offender's vehicle that
detects alcohol on a driver's breath and prevents
firing up the engine. Thus, DUII offenders
cannot repeat their offense and they pay the cost of
that safeguard, which rivals the price of a GPS
system.

We've
mentioned before in this space that our driving
statutes are less punishing than those in a majority
of other nations. China is rapidly becoming the
home of more private vehicle ownership than any other
land, save the USA, but any DUII arrest there results
in a driving license loss for five years, or forever,
if any injuries to others result. This
regulation was enacted in 2010, and it works...DUII
incidents have shrunk 27.6% over the past year,
despite the spiraling growth of civilian
drivers.

Here
in the land of the free and home of the brave, all 50
states now enforce a blood alcohol content of .08, and
in the past five years, this is cited as a primary
reason why DUII offenses have declined by over 15%
nationally in the past five years...still, the USA
averages over 13,000 deaths per annum from the 35% of
all traffic fatalities related to alcohol
impairment. The National Traffic Safety
Institute estimates the current fiscal total of DUII
accident property & medical costs at $50 billion+
annually, so legislative efforts are certainly
justified.

Super
Bowl weekend is upon us, and a national celebration
that will ramp up traffic law enforcement. Here
in Oregon, a law officer needs only confirmation
of alcohol consumption by his ticketing object, even
if that driver blows below a .08 reading...an
increased incentive to avoid fermented liquid if you
are driving.

Note
that a 120-pound female can reach .08 BAC on only two
drinks (beer, wine or cocktail) in an hour. A
180-pound male usually requires four drinks to get to
that BAC level. However, impairment begins
before one approches .08. That ol' debbil booze
slows your reaction time after only a single
drink. Your level of alertness declines,
concentration on the demands of driving suffers and
there is just no way you can justify drinking before
driving. That car, truck, cycle or boat is worth
your total piloting attention. And, of course,
we've previously counted up just the financial
penalties elicited by a DUII. It just isn't
worth the risk, so celebrate or mourn your favorite
team's fate by driving sober.

Designated drivers and
public conveniances are available to keep your
pledge of Seatbelts & Sobriety!!